Japan's Nikkei stock average edged down 0.4 percent on Friday, with exporters such as Toyota Motor <7203.T> retreating along with shipping firms.

Japan Airlines Corp (JAL) <9205.T> rose 1.2 percent after the Nikkei business daily said it and shipping firm Nippon Yusen <9101.T> planned to integrate their air cargo businesses next April.

The benchmark Nikkei <.N225> lost 44.73 points to 10,338.68, while the broader Topix <.TOPX> shed 0.4 percent to 954.67.

(Reporting by Elaine Lies)

Nikkei 225 Down Japan